More than 100 travel agents had the opportunity to explore the Nieuw Statendam, a Pinnacle Class ship by Holland America Line, marking the largest trade ship visit ever hosted by the cruise line.
This significant event aimed to provide agents with first-hand experience and deeper insights into the ship’s offerings and upcoming itineraries, positioning them better to serve their clientele.
Event Highlights
Agents from across the country embarked the Nieuw Statendam in Liverpool, participating in an event organised by Holland America Line’s dedicated UK trade team.
The agenda included a comprehensive brand presentation, a guided ship tour, and a three-course lunch. This immersive experience highlighted the ship’s facilities and the unique experiences it offers.
Upcoming Sailings and Itineraries
Nieuw Statendam boasts a capacity of 2,666 passengers and will be sailing from Dover in 2025. The ship is scheduled for a full season of 10 sailings throughout the summer, with diverse itineraries including the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
These planned routes underscore Holland America Line’s commitment to providing varied and enriching travel experiences to their guests.
Increased Opportunities for Travel Agents
Holland America Line is increasing its engagement with travel agents, offering eight ship visits this year, up from last year’s 350 spots to 430.
Following the success of the Liverpool event, a subsequent visit is scheduled for August 12 onboard the Rotterdam. Other visits will take place in Dover, South Queensferry, Belfast, Newcastle, and Cork.
This proactive approach not only enhances the knowledge base of travel agents but also equips them with valuable insights that can be relayed to potential customers.
Industry Impact and Feedback
Karen Farndell, Sales and Marketing Director at Holland America Line, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “First-hand product experience is simply the best training tool we can offer our agent partners.” She emphasized the importance of such events in providing agents with the tools necessary to promote the Nieuw Statendam effectively.
Emma Otter from Travel Counsellors praised the event, remarking how beneficial it was for understanding the ship’s offerings, especially for guests anticipating their Dover departure on the Nieuw Statendam next year.
David Houghton from Hays Cruise echoed this sentiment, noting the event’s exceptional organisation and the elegant design of the ship. His feedback further reinforces the value of such engagements in the cruise industry.
Future Prospects and Strategic Goals
Holland America Line’s strategic plan includes doubling its UK passenger numbers, as indicated by their recent initiatives and engagement with the trade.
The Nieuw Statendam’s features, such as world-class live music, spacious indoor and outdoor spaces, and immersive cruising experiences, align perfectly with this growth strategy.
By hosting such elaborate events and ensuring extensive agent training, Holland America Line is setting a benchmark in the industry.
Sustainability Initiatives
Holland America Line is also at the forefront of sustainability in the cruise industry, having recently started biofuels testing in Norwegian fjords.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations and enhance the sustainability of their offerings.
Community and Trade Engagement
The company’s commitment to the trade community is evident through these extensive ship visit programs and direct engagement with travel agents.
Such initiatives foster a closer relationship between the cruise line and its trade partners, ensuring a better-informed and more enthusiastic sales force.
Holland America Line’s largest ever trade ship visit on the Nieuw Statendam underscores their commitment to agent education and community engagement.
By providing thorough, first-hand experiences, the company ensures that travel agents are well-equipped to promote its offerings, ultimately benefiting the broader cruise and travel industry.
